Clapham was out from prison on licence, after being jailed for a burglary offence, when the incident happened. Only six days earlier he had assaulted another man in Warwick.

Prosecuting, Roger Austin said a couple had been walking in Lyttleton Road, Warwick, when an unknown person threw glass at them, cutting the woman on the leg.

?The male victim told Clapham that he was going to the police and the hospital. Clapham tried to prevent them from doing so.

?Following that, the defendant struck the man in his right eye with his fist,? he said.

A few days later, Clapham came across the brother and sister in St Nicholas Park, Warwick.

The jury was told how the 16-year-old was lying on the grass when the defendant came up to him and kicked him on his left arm. The victim put his arms in front of his face but the defendant continued to kick him.

His sister tried to intervene but unfortunately Clapham turned on her. He grabbed her by the throat, picked her off the floor and threw her to the ground causing her to bang her head.

Clapham admitted three charges of assault. In mitigation, solicitor Mike Jervis said he had not been in trouble since the offences. ?Alcohol played a great part in these offences and his behaviour was due to an over indulgence,? he said.

Clapham was seeking help for his drinking problem.

Magistrates referred the case to crown court for sentencing saying their powers were not enough.